Cost of Living in Fort Meade, MD

With a cost of living index of 133, Fort Meade, MD is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 33% more expensive than the national average and 14% above the Maryland state average of 119. Fort Meade is a smaller community of 10,477 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

The median household income in Fort Meade is $102,886, which is 37% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fort Meade. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.2°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 45 inches spread over roughly 121 days.

Everyday prices in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.